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From balcony to gut: Leafy greens you can grow for better digestion

From balcony to gut: Leafy greens you can grow for better digestion

India Today11-07-2025
A healthy gut is the cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing everything from digestion and immunity to mood, skin, and energy levels. While supplements and superfoods are often marketed for gut support, one of the most effective—and accessible—solutions may be growing right in your backyard or balcony.To understand how home-grown greens can benefit gut health, India Today spoke with Maninder Singh Nayyar, Founder & CEO, CEF Group, who champions urban farming and chemical-free living.advertisementGUT HEALTH BEGINS WITH GREENSLeafy vegetables act as natural prebiotics—plant fibres that nourish the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system. When consumed regularly, they help maintain microbial balance, reduce gut inflammation, and support better nutrient absorption. Unlike probiotics that add microbes, prebiotics like leafy greens help your body sustain its natural gut flora.SPINACH: A NATURAL CONSTIPATION RELIEVERSpinach is loaded with both soluble and insoluble fibre, which helps keep bowel movements regular.It also contains magnesium, a mineral that supports muscle movement in the digestive tract and helps relieve constipation naturally.CORIANDER: ENZYME-BOOSTING AND DIGESTION-FRIENDLYMore than just a flavour-enhancer, coriander promotes better digestion by stimulating enzyme production.Its antibacterial properties may also help balance gut microbes and reduce indigestion.FENUGREEK (METHI): A TRADITIONAL REMEDY FOR ACIDITYFenugreek leaves are commonly used in Indian households to reduce acidity, gas, and bloating.Their mucilaginous fibre content soothes the stomach lining while improving digestion and satiety.AMARANTH: THE GUT-SOOTHING POWERHOUSEAmaranth leaves offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that can calm a sensitive digestive system.Their polyphenols help nurture gut bacteria and improve immune function, making them ideal for people with IBS or gut inflammation.MUSTARD GREENS: CLEANSING AND DETOXIFYINGRich in fibre, antioxidants, and plant-based compounds, mustard greens (sarson) promote digestion and support liver detoxification.Their slightly bitter profile helps stimulate bile production, essential for breaking down fats.URBAN FARMING FOR GUT-FRIENDLY LIVINGThese nutrient-rich greens are not just health-boosting—they're also incredibly easy to grow at home. With simple balcony pots or kitchen garden setups, anyone can cultivate fresh spinach, coriander, methi, and more, even in urban apartments. Home-grown produce not only guarantees freshness and chemical-free nutrition, but also reconnects people with what they eat, promoting more conscious and sustainable food habits.Leafy vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, coriander, mustard, and amaranth can do wonders for your digestive health—and growing them yourself makes the benefits even richer. In a world increasingly dominated by packaged foods and quick fixes, returning to nature through home-grown greens is a step toward better gut balance, improved immunity, and overall wellness.- EndsMust Watch
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Who is Deon Lewis? Green card holder detained by ICE begs for deportation
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  • Hindustan Times

Who is Deon Lewis? Green card holder detained by ICE begs for deportation

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Urban women at risk of anemia: How to detect and prevent it

Anemia, a condition marked by a shortage of healthy red blood cells necessary to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues, has traditionally been seen as a challenge primarily affecting rural India. However, recent data shows a worrying shift: urban women are now increasingly experiencing this silent health crisis. Despite better access to healthcare, improved sanitation, and higher living standards, factors such as poor dietary choices, irregular meal patterns, busy lifestyles, and socio-economic pressures are contributing to the rising prevalence of anemia in city settings. Iron deficiency, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, and inadequate consumption of nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, pulses, and lean proteins are common culprits. Additionally, lifestyle factors including stress, irregular sleep, and high consumption of processed foods can exacerbate the problem. 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The Silent Burst: Understanding Brain Aneurysms and Haemorrhagic Stroke Before It's Too Late
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India Today

time2 hours ago

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The Silent Burst: Understanding Brain Aneurysms and Haemorrhagic Stroke Before It's Too Late

Every year, thousands of families across Gujarat are left shocked by an unexpected and often devastating event: a brain haemorrhage, medically known as a haemorrhagic stroke. Unlike the more common ischaemic stroke caused by a blockage, hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding within or around it. One of the most dangerous culprits is a ruptured brain aneurysm, a weak or thin spot on a brain blood vessel that balloons out and fills with blood. While many aneurysms never rupture, those that do can cause life-threatening hemorrhagic aneurysms are far more common than most people realise, with studies suggesting that 2–3% of the Indian population may have one or more that remain undetected. While not all rupture, when they do, the consequences are critical. A ruptured aneurysm can cause subarachnoid haemorrhage, a specific type of brain bleed, with a mortality rate of up to 40–50%.Types of AneurysmsSaccular (berry) aneurysm – The most common type, shaped like a small aneurysm – A more diffused, widened vessel aneurysm – Due to a tear in the vessel wall layers, often aneurysm – Caused by a systemic infectionA haemorrhagic stroke often strikes without warning, but sometimes the body gives subtle hints: sudden and severe headache ('worst headache of one's life'), nausea, vomiting, vision problems or double vision, neck stiffness, loss of consciousness, seizures, drooping eyelid or facial weakness, sudden confusion or trouble speaking. These symptoms need urgent attention. Time lost = Brain DetectionAneurysms can be identified with:CT / MRI of the brainCT / MR angiography for detailed vessel imagingDigital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), the gold standardFor those with a family history or risk factors, preventive screening is risk factors include:High blood pressure (uncontrolled hypertension)Smoking and alcohol useFamily history of aneurysmsAge over 40Female gender (slightly higher risk)Polycystic kidney diseaseHistory of trauma or infectionTreatment AdvancesSurgical Clipping – A metal clip is placed around the aneurysm base to stop blood flow (open surgery).Endovascular Coiling – Minimally invasive, coils are inserted into an aneurysm guided by angiography to block blood flow and promote Diverters – Stent-like devices placed in the parent vessel to divert blood away, allowing natural choice depends on the aneurysm size, location, shape, and the health of the of Re-ruptureAn initial rupture is a medical emergency. The risk of re-bleeding is highest in the first 24–72 hours and can reach 15–20% within two weeks if untreated. Early stabilisation and timely intervention are Aneurysms Be Prevented?While not all are preventable, rupture risk can be lowered by:Controlling blood pressureAvoiding smoking and excessive alcoholRegular health check-ups (especially with family history)Managing stress and cholesterolStaying active and eating heart-healthy foodsIn ConclusionAneurysms don't always announce themselves, but when they do, they can be fatal unless we act fast. Public awareness, timely diagnosis, and specialised neurovascular care are our strongest defences.I urge everyone to know the warning signs, prioritise brain health, and get regular check-ups, especially if at risk. Let's spread the word across Gujarat, because in the fight against hemorrhagic stroke, awareness is your first in public interest by Medtronic. The views/suggestions/opinions expressed in the article are individual opinions of Dr Sandip Modh for public awareness and information purposes only. This article and the views expressed herein are not to be treated as medical advice. You need to consult your registered medical practitioner for any clarification or guidance that you require around this The material, content, and/or information contained within this Impact Feature are published strictly for advertorial purposes. T.V. Today Network Limited hereby disclaims any and all responsibility, representation, or endorsement with respect to the accuracy, reliability, or quality of the products and/or services featured or promoted herein. Viewers or consumers are strongly advised to conduct their own due diligence and make independent enquiries before relying on or making any decisions based on the information or claims presented in the impact feature. Any reliance placed on such content is strictly at the individual's own discretion and risk.- Ends advertisement

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